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Former Wesleyan Football Player Gets Probation In Drug Case

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) — A former Wesleyan University football player has been sentenced to six months of home confinement on charges he provided recreational hallucinogenic drugs to about 20 of his teammates.

Ryan Welch, of Salem, Massachusetts, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in Bridgeport. He must also serve three years of probation and perform 200 hours of community service.

The 22-year-old Welch pleaded guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance.

Welch played defensive back for Wesleyan, a Division III program. He is no longer enrolled at Wesleyan, located in Middletown.

Prosecutors say Welch sold his teammates a drug mixture that was known as “Welchie’s Special.” They say Welch began dealing the drugs about a year ago, just before the start of his junior year.

The school hasn’t said whether the players who purchased the drugs will face discipline.